How to Evolve Sandshrew

Kantonian Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash starting at level 22 through standard battle experience or Rare Candies. Alolan Sandshrew requires an Ice Stone to evolve into Alolan Sandslash; level does not matter for this regional variant. Ensure Sandshrew is not holding an Everstone during the level-up process.

Sandshrew features two distinct evolutionary paths depending on its regional form. Identifying your specific variant is the mandatory first step before attempting to trigger an evolution.

• Kantonian Sandshrew (Ground-type): Evolves into Kantonian Sandslash starting at level 22. Requires no specific items.
• Alolan Sandshrew (Ice/Steel-type): Evolves into Alolan Sandslash exclusively via an Ice Stone. Level is irrelevant.

These core rules remain consistent across the mainline franchise. However, modern titles introduce specific interface mechanics that alter how you finalize the process.

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, evolution is no longer a forced sequence after battle. Reaching level 22 with a Kantonian Sandshrew simply unlocks the ability to evolve it.

1. Level up Kantonian Sandshrew to level 22 using battles or Exp. Candies.
2. Open your satchel and navigate to your party menu.
3. Highlight Sandshrew and look for the glowing Poké Ball icon indicating readiness.
4. Select the Pokémon and press the prompt to manually initiate the evolution sequence.

For Alolan Sandshrew transferred via Pokémon HOME, you must obtain an Ice Stone from the trading post or space-time distortions. Select the stone from your inventory and apply it directly to the Pokémon.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet retain the traditional level 22 requirement for Kantonian Sandshrew. You can reach this threshold efficiently by completing Tera Raids to farm Exp. Candies.

1. Place Kantonian Sandshrew in your active party.
2. Engage in standard turn-based battles or feed it EXP-boosting items until it hits level 22.
3. Allow the post-battle evolution screen to play out without pressing the B button.

The Alolan variant requires an Ice Stone, which you can reliably find scattered across the snowfields of Glaseado Mountain. Open your bag, tab over to the Other Items pocket, and use the stone on Alolan Sandshrew.

Be aware of the Let's Go feature's limitations. If your Kantonian Sandshrew reaches level 22 while defeating wild Pokémon via auto-battles, the evolution will fail to trigger. You must level it up one additional time in a standard battle.

Pokémon GO standardizes the evolution process across both regional forms. Evolving either Kantonian or Alolan Sandshrew requires exactly 50 Sandshrew Candy.

You can gather this candy by catching wild Sandshrew, transferring duplicates to Professor Willow, or walking with Sandshrew assigned as your Buddy Pokémon. Using Pinap Berries during the catch phase doubles your candy yield.

Shadow Sandshrew rescued from Team GO Rocket also requires 50 candy to evolve. If you choose to purify the Shadow Pokémon first, the evolution cost decreases to 45 candy.

Players frequently encounter roadblocks when attempting to evolve Sandshrew. The most common issue involves the Everstone. If Sandshrew holds this item, the level-up evolution is completely disabled. Check the summary screen and remove the Everstone to proceed.

Another frequent error occurs when applying evolution stones. The game will display an "Incompatible" message if you attempt to use an Ice Stone on a Kantonian Sandshrew. Verify that your target is the white, igloo-shaped Alolan variant.

Finally, the Let's Go auto-battle block in Scarlet and Violet causes confusion. If your Sandshrew is level 22 or higher and hasn't evolved, feed it a single Rare Candy to force a level-up outside of the auto-battle system.

Verdict: 6.5/10 for Little Cup (LC). In the LC tier, keeping Sandshrew unevolved is highly beneficial. Sandshrew currently holds a 0.7% usage rate in the SV LC format, functioning primarily as a reliable entry hazard setter and utility pivot.

Equipping an Eviolite boosts its defense and special defense by 50%, granting it the bulk needed to survive early-game attacks. From there, it utilizes Spikes and Stealth Rock to establish field pressure. Rapid Spin provides essential utility by clearing enemy hazards off your side of the field.

Offensively, Earthquake serves as a consistent STAB move. Knock Off cripples opponents by removing their held items, while Smack Down grounds flying threats. Leech Life offers minor recovery, and Swords Dance can turn it into a physical threat.

Sandshrew relies heavily on its abilities, Sand Rush and Sand Veil, making it highly effective under sandstorm conditions. It pairs excellently with defensive teammates like Shellos and Fuecoco. Chespin, Stunky, and Wattrel also provide necessary synergy to handle incoming Water-type and Grass-type attackers.

While Eviolite is standard, other viable items include Focus Sash to guarantee hazard placement, Leftovers for passive recovery, Assault Vest to survive special hits, or a Choice Band for immediate offensive pressure.